I'm moving to Sarasota next month and I'm stupidly excited about it! I've been in CO for two years, and I hate, hate, hate the cold weather. I'm ready to be back in a perma-summer climate!

So how's Sarasota on the food front? Looks like there's a Whole Foods, and they just got word that Trader Joe's is coming sometime in the next year, which is pretty awesome. Does anyone have any must-try restaurants?

I'll definitely be making my way up to Tampa from time to time, and I've been lurking the Tampa Bay thread for ideas.

I can't wait to be back in FL!

_________________Ridiculous people on the internet are consistently ridiculous. -pandacookie

Oh hey! I live (well, will be as of April) right on top of 'ya in Bradenton! Maybe you and I can get together and have vegan dinners together! My roomie isn't a veggie and all of my friends are of the hurr durr bacon variet (Dog love 'em). I know Jimmy John's isn't vegan, but they CAN make you a good veggie sandwich, better than subway.

Tampa field trips? Aww yeaah.

And I had no idea we were getting a TJ. It'll be like Chrismukkah came early! So glad there's someone else in SRQ who's a veggie too!

_________________"Maybe you guys should stop shopping at the lard store." = Fee"Part of the joy of watching this show is watching people who have no idea how to use knives. It's like watching hockey." = mollyjade

Sahara is a great middle eastern place. Many places have a few dishes but I don't remember many dedicated vegan places. I think that you could get something vegan at tijuana flats too. Def, check out the whole foods - they have a great prepared food section. Pretty sure there's a vegan meetup monthly too ^-^ Enjoy Sarasota - it's a beautiful place. Love the botanical garden (selby gardens) and the amazing orchid collection.

I'm a Sarasota native and go back to visit family every year. Thankfully the vegan scene is getting better there. They mainly seem to add raw options, which I don't tend to like as much, but that's better than nothing. Mi Pueblo's University Blvd location has a vegan raw menu. I've gone there twice, but found i didn't enjoy it as much the second time.Mostly I find myself going to Whole Foods. I go to Sahara's as well, but I don't like that place as much as my sister does. Simon's Coffeehouse has a couple options (more so for breakfast than for lunch). I meant to try Veg, but never got to it.

I went to college in sarasota, but am from elsewhere in the south, and had lived in florida for years before that. I'm sure you already moved there and are finding out things for yourself, but there are quite a lot of vegans at least where I went to school, and therefore, good food options around intermingled with those that are not. Unfortunately Taste of Asia has relocated somewhere besides downtown, but I think they're still open and have amazing food and a seperate vegan menu. There is also Pho Cali for vietnamese food which has good stuff and will make it without fish sauce if you ask, but be sure to ask to be on the safe side. A few coffee shops such as Big Es and the Coffee loft are around on north 41 which are good places to hang out and work, and have some vegan sweets. How do you like it so far?

Taste of Asia is on Siesta Key right now, but moving again soon to a permanent home. I've been there twice now, and it's probably one of my favorites. I've also been to El Toro Bravo a couple of times, and I've decided that's my official go-to for Mexican.

Overall, I am LOVING Sarasota! I'm so, so happy to be in Florida and back in beach-land (yes, even in July humidity!).

Also, that restaurant guide posted earlier has been a fantastic resource! I've got it bookmarked on my phone, so it's available when I just want to check out something new.

I appreciate everyone's tips!

_________________Ridiculous people on the internet are consistently ridiculous. -pandacookie

Sorry to bump this super-old thread but I'm hoping someone has some up-to-date info about vegan options in the Sarasota area. We'll actually be staying further south in the Venice/North Port area for a few days coming up and while I expect we'll have to cook, I know my father-in-law would really like to eat at a restaurant with us. Not into the raw thing so much. Any suggestions?

I moved away about 2 years ago, but Taste of Asia and El Toro Bravo were definitely two of my favorites. I also really loved Flavors of India on 41. I didn't spend much time in Venice or North Port, so I don't know what's there. I hope you have a nice trip!

_________________Ridiculous people on the internet are consistently ridiculous. -pandacookie

I dont mean to spam Ive just posted this under Classifieds section, Boats for sale. Im just trying to reach a person who I can rent a boat from.

Im wondering if there is anyone who I can rent a Hobie 16 from during weeks of September 26 through October 8. We will be in Manasota Key south of Sarasota and Venice. Instead of towing my own, Id rather use a local one. We are still finding out if we can keep a cat on the beach during this time, but I hope to know an answer soon.If we are OK to have a cat, and if you are willing to rent it, I will ask you to bring the cat and have it on the wheels on the beach.Thank you,Yuri